Defining N-Acetyl Cysteine as a Treatment for Inhibiting Prurogenic Stimuli

The objective of this double-blinded placebo-controlled cross-over study is to define the role of the over the counter agent, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), in mitigating the development of pruritus (skin itching). The study is designed to have all subjects treated with a seven-day regimen of both NAC and placebo. NAC will be prescribed at a dose of 1,500 mg twice daily for seven days. Subjects will initially be randomly assigned (1:1) to either the NAC or placebo arm of the study, before crossing over to the opposite arm after completing a minimum of 30-day washout period. The study will encompass a period of approximately 11 weeks (about 2 and a half months).